Old Dan Tucker - Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Song: Old Dan Tucker
Year: 2006
Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

This is the only album by Bruce Springsteen consisting entirely of material that he did not write himself. These songs were written or made popular by folk artist Pete Seeger. The entire album is a breath of fresh air. Most of the songs have secret political influences, but the songs are both catchy and fun.

"Old Dan Tucker" dates back to at least 1843. It is theorized that the song became popular by word of mouth, with no actual lyrics written down. There are several different versions of the song floating around, which may be a result of its origins.

While it may seem that Bruce is branching out by including folk songs in his repertoire, he has been in this particular vein of music for awhile. As he has gotten older, his music has gravitated towards the folk side of music. If not in practice, then in theory. The only branching out Bruce is doing is releasing an entire album's worth of music that was not written by him.

"Old Dan Tucker" has its charms. The end result is an energetic performance that culminates in smiles for the artist and the listener. Bruce is letting us in on the joy of performing, rather than sharing another painful memory or rite of passage. In a way, these songs are a rite of passage. These songs are handed down from generation to generation. Now it is someone else's turn.

Lyrics:
One, two, three, four

Now old Dan Tucker was a fine old man
Washed his face in a fryin' pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heel

Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper

Now old Dan Tucker come to town
Riding a billy goat, leading a hound
The hound dog barked and the billy goat jumped
And landed old Tucker on a stump

Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper

Now old Dan Tucker got drunk and fell
In the fire and kicked up holy hell
A red-hot coal got in his shoe
And oh my Lord the ashes flew

Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper

Come on!
Let it go!

Now Old Dan Tucker come to town
Swinging them ladies all round
First to the right then to the left
Then to the gal that he loved best

Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper

Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Song: Cover Me
Year: 1984
Album: Born In The U.S.A.

BRUUUUUUUCE!!! as my mom would say. I've had a love/hate relationship with Bruce Springsteen. I used to not care for his music, but as I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate more of it. I downright enjoy it now. This album, I've liked since its release.

What's not to like about this album? I can't think of anything. It's a damn near perfect album. It's something that I could put on and listen to all the way through. It's got everything. Meaningful lyrics. Something to dance to. Something to sing along with. Something to veg to. A great sound. Everything.

"Cover Me" was a struggle to keep on the album. It was never intended to be on this or any other Springsteen album. It was recorded as a demo for Donna Summer and intended to be a disco song. Bruce even recorded a duet with Donna Summer of this song that has yet to see the light of day.

The only thing that saved this song was Springsteen's manager insisting that it be put on the album. He loved the way the rock edge mixed with the song. It was a wise choice and the public is the better for it. This is one reason why I advocate everything from an artist eventually be released. You don't know what wonderful gems are hiding away.

Lyrics:
The times are tough now, just getting tougher
This old world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Promise me baby you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more

This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I don't want to see any more,
Cover me, come on and cover me
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me